BROOKSVILLE — The Hernando County Commission approved a one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers June 23, pleasing residents who have repeatedly urged the county to rein in the facilities.
The roll-call vote was 4-0. The commission has not appointed anyone to fill the seat vacated by former Commissioner Brian Hawkins, who resigned to run for the Florida House.
Development Services Director Omar DePablo said the year would let staff review the issue internally or hire outside experts to study how data centers affect critical public facilities. Before the moratorium expires, the Planning Division plans to bring the commission any needed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan or revisions to the county’s Land Development Regulations.
Although some residents called for an outright ban, County Attorney Jon Jouben said the county cannot simply prohibit the centers. Such a ban would amount to a “taking” under the Bert Harris Act, he said, while a moratorium of a year or less is not. The only way to regulate the centers, he said, is through the comprehensive planning and zoning process. “This gives us time to do this.”
Familiar arguments
The arguments echoed earlier meetings, and commissioners had signaled support before public comment began.
Speakers pointed to other Florida counties that have moved against data centers, including Citrus and Jackson. Senior Planner Michelle Miller said Pasco County, which is drafting its own moratorium, has asked Hernando for help.
Commenters and commissioners cited reports of possible effects on the water supply, residents’ electric bills, wildlife and the health of people living nearby. Commissioner John Allocco said the centers emit low-frequency noise that people can’t hear but can feel, which he said could seriously affect adults and children. Other concerns centered on where the centers’ computer chips come from — particularly China — and the possibility that the government could use the facilities to process surveillance data on Americans.
“I’m not crazy about what they’re doing with the technology,” Commissioner Steve Champion said. “That’s the thing that bothers me the most. We have to protect ourselves.”
DeeVon Quirolo of the Sierra Club said she was glad the group and the commission agreed. “We all agree that an ordinance is needed. A moratorium as a first step is a smart move,” she said. “It will enable us to draft an ordinance that will protect the citizens, protect our wildlife, protect our water resources and hopefully not even have mega-hyperscale data centers in Hernando. It’s not a good fit.”
Quirolo said a recent bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis lets counties ban the largest centers, and she urged the county to instead allow small data centers that use closed-loop water systems and solar power and pose no danger to health or wildlife. “That’s what Sierra Club is trying to promote,” she said. “Something that works for the community.”
Patricia Zirhut said she was glad and called the vote a step in the right direction, though she wants a full ban. “I still believe that they need to ban them,” she said. “We’ve been using AI for a very long time for small facilities, and there’s a lot more data centers that they’re putting in here compared to what China already has. So why are they doing this? Why do they need so many of these data centers?”
Recognizing independence
The commission approved a resolution proclaiming July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution attended in support, with four women dressed in clothing from various historical eras — including a 1920s flapper and a suffragette — to thank the commission. They posed for photos after the proclamation was read.
Blake Bell described July 4 events at the Sand Hill Scout Reservation and encouraged residents who want to celebrate to attend.